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Why Dogs Shed & How to Reduce it

Shedding can be frustrating for all dog owners, no matter
how much we love our dogs. All dogs shed to some degree, with the exception of
completely hairless dogs. Commonly, there are three types of shedding;
year-round, seasonal and health.

Year-Round
Shedding

All animals with hair shed on a regular bases, therefore
causing year-round shedding. Most shedding is the loss of the undercoat, with
some regular loss of fur. Normal shedding will occur year round, and will be
visible on your clothes, sofa, and around the house.

Dogs such as Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers, with
continuously growing hair, have hair shafts with longer life spans and shed
very little. Whereas dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair shaft
life span and more abundant undercoats, resulting in greater shedding
year-round.

Seasonal
Shedding

Seasonal shedding occurs with some breeds, usually in the
spring, but may also happen in autumn. Seasonal shedding occurs evenly across
the whole body, and will happen every year on a cycle. This process is
sometimes called "blowing coat." When the weather warms, dogs shed
their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat. This type of
shedding is typical among cold weather breeds like Huskies.

Health

Your dog's health may also affect shedding rate, so it is
important to take note of unexplained excessive shedding. Skin problems,
endocrine diseases, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic
disorders can cause hair loss or change the rate of hair growth. Any noticeable
differences in your pets shedding rate is a good sign to contact your local
veterinarian.

How to
Control Shedding

Excess shedding can be difficult to manage as pet hair tends
to clings to furniture and upholstery around the house. As a dog owner, you
have probably come to terms with the fact that regular housecleaning is the
norm, especially during shedding season. Routine grooming is a great way to
manage your dogs yearly and seasonal shedding, along with more frequent baths
during the summer months. This will help you rinse off the dead hair from your
pet’s body, which will significantly reduce the number of hair floating around
the house. Furthermore, keeping onto of cleaning will prevent the hair from
embedding itself into furniture and upholstery; ultimately making it easier to
manage and clean.